Lead shrine

This Roman shrine is thought to be in honour of the god Mercury. You can see this shrine in real life at Segedunum Roman Fort. Although the experts tell us that it was poorly made, it's amazing that it has survived and is still in such a good condition, it's the only shrine found in the UK that still has its doors.

Things to think about...Why do you think shrines would need doors?There is a lot of decoration on the shrine, but it's "poorly made" according to the experts at the museum - what does this tell us about the people who made it and the people who bought it?

Shrine with figure plus decorated strips of door pieces. Figure set back in alcove. Door pieces hinged and decorated differently on either side.
It is highly decorated but quite poorly made. The figure of the god (possibly Mercury) is little more than a cut-out figure slotted into place. It is very rare for a whole shrine with its doors to survive, and this is the only such example in the country.